Journal of Animal Science, Vol 74, Issue 10 2303-2309, Copyright © 1996 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Interaction of dietary calcium and supplemental fat on digestive function and growth performance in feedlot steers

R. A. Zinn and Y. Shen
Animal Science Department, Imperial Valley Agricultural Center, University of California, El Centro 92243, USA.

Four Holstein steers (261 +/- 2 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate the interaction of dietary Ca (.45 vs. 90%) and supplemental fat (0 vs 5% yellow grease) on characteristics of digestion. There were no treatment interactions (P > .10). Supplemental Ca did not influence (P > .10) digestibility of OM, NDF, starch, N, and fatty acids. Supplemental fat decreased ruminal (21%, P < .05) and total tract (3%, P < .01) digestibility of OM and ruminal (25%, P < .10) and total tract (20%, P < .01) digestibility of NDF. Supplemental fat increased (P < .10) ruminal microbial efficiency. Ruminal free Ca was not affected (P > .10) by Ca intake but was closely associated with ruminal pH and fatty acid intake (R2 = .84). Apparent ruminal Ca absorption was generally negative, being increased (P < .05) by Ca supplementation and decreased (P < .10) by fat supplementation. Postruminal (P < .05) and total tract (P < .01) apparent Ca absorption was increased by Ca supplementation. Supplemental fat did not influence (P > .10) postruminal or total tract Ca absorption. One hundred forty-four medium-frame crossbred steers were used to evaluate treatment effects on feedlot growth performance. There were no treatment interactions (P > .10). Increasing dietary Ca did not influence (P > .10) steer performance. Supplemental fat decreased (P < .01) DMI and increased NE value of the diet (P < .01). It is concluded that increasing dietary Ca from .45 to .9% in high-grain finishing diets will not affect the feeding value of supplemental fat and that high levels (5%) of supplemental fat will not have a detrimental effect on Ca absorption.

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